FRAME GENERATOR WEIRDNESS

[kadscad]

I was having issues with frame generator placing the chosen profile in different orientations even though in therory they should place in exactly the same orientation.

So I created 4 identical wireframes but I start each box from a different corner.

I went along the top row and place all the pieces

Then I went along the bottom and placed the same profile adjusting the orientation as needed and proceeded down the row.

Next, I did the same for the 2 verticals choosing all the left and then coming back and choosing all the left.

I started every sequence from the left-hand box over to the right.

As you can see even though my setting were identical for each horizontal or vertical the outcome was not consistent.

Yes, I change the start point and rotation as the need for the first box and work right.

WHY are the profiles being orientated differently

[Mark.Lancaster]

@kadscad

You need to provide all the files (like T1.iam) associated to this model.  An assembly file only contains the links to the components.

Also when you share files you need to provide us with what version of Inventor you're using.   In your case is the original Inventor release of 2018.

[kadscad]

Thanks Mark for the heads up. I'm a newbie to Inventor. I will forward these over asap

[kadscad]

Mark were you able to see the weird outcome in the pdf?

[hncarle · Accepted solution]

This is something I discovered way back in 2016. 

When you choose the line the orientation is dependent on WHICH END YOU CLICK CLOSEST TO.  If you pick the left end of a line the frame will be oriented one way.  If you pick the right end of the line the frame will be orientated OPPOSITE!  Quite annoying or quite useful depending on if you are paying attention.  LOL

So solution is to always click near the same end of the line as you go around the frame.

I'll make a screen cast later if I'm not being clear.

[hncarle]

Ok here is the screen cast. Hope this helps.

[hncarle]

Oops maybe not.

[hncarle]

Third time the charm?

 Ok will wait for youse guys to post instructions.  It has been over a year since I posted a screencast.

[kadscad · Accepted solution]

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@hncarle wrote:

This is something I discovered way back in 2016. 

When you choose the line the orientation is dependent on WHICH END YOU CLICK CLOSEST TO.  If you pick the left end of a line the frame will be oriented one way.  If you pick the right end of the line the frame will be orientated OPPOSITE!  Quite annoying or quite useful depending on if you are paying attention.  LOL

So solution is to always click near the same end of the line as you go around the frame.

I'll make a screen cast later if I'm not being clear.

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No your perfectly clear, but that needs to be fixed. I thought it might have something to do with the direction of that the lines or rectangles were placed.

[Mark.Lancaster · Accepted solution]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you @kadscad

IF it was me, before I placed any frame members, I would right mouse click and select chain select or by a given sketch..  If you do the given sketch you can apply the same frame member and orientation to all the sketched lines with a single click... 

[kelly.young]

Hello @kadscad the easiest way to share parts is to use Pack & Go as .zip to ensure that all files are gathered. 

Please select the Accept as Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

[kadscad]

Kelly No need to pack n go now. I was enlighted that if I chose a different of a line I will get different results.

That's a bug in my opinion

[kelly.young]

@hncarle here's a quick screencast showing how to embed within the post. 

Please select the Accept as Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

[hncarle]

Yeh I did that several times.  Apparently when they send an e-mail that it is ready to review the file hasn't actually been posted yet.  I looked in my profile and it didn't show as ready.

Oh well live and learn.

[doug.johnston]

Just to add my observations / thoughts:

I've noticed that placement of the members can also depend on the orientation of the model based on the UCS.

If your view orientation is different from the "normal / Home", then the members tend to get placed in different locations.

I've gotten into the habit of placing all my frame members in the center of the member, then go back and orient them to the side / location I want.  I also edit the members 1 by 1 after building the entire frame first, so moving them after doesn't slow me down … it's just part of my workflow.

[kadscad]

You are exactly right, it's not easy maintaining this level on insanity but someones got to do it

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[jan_priban · Accepted solution]

Hi,

seems to be resolved/answered. Yes, orientation depends on beam "end"/"half" you select. See please video - 2018-09-07_11-47-12.mp4 . Skeleton is just sketch with line + line pattern. Just 6 lines

Notice how I placed T-shapes. First 4 I  selected top "end"/"half", Last 2 (5,6) I selected bottom "end"/"half" => different orientation than beam 1-4

Regards

Jan Priban

[SBix26]

I wish there were some way to get a better indication of what will get placed in which orientation.  It's easy to see when it's a T-shape, but not at all easy for square tubing, square t-slot extrusion, or worst of all, round tubing. 

It doesn't matter for those shapes until you make end treatments (miter, for example), and then try to reuse members.  It requires trying multiple times and clicking in different locations to get them to place in the proper orientation.  I haven't been able to figure out a reliable method.

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Sam B
Inventor Pro 2019.1.1 | Windows 7 SP1
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